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Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.
Children’s Day Activities
Children’s Day Special: Chinese Shadow Puppetry and Live Folk Music, May 31
All ages. Join Modernista for one more Thursday dedicated to cultural influences and fusions from all the round the world blended into music, dance, theater and stage performances. The event will feature shadow puppets designed and managed by experienced puppet master Wang Yuguang with a contemporary music twist from to Ravi’s experimental influences. 9-11.30am. Modernista
Children’s Day Flea Market at The Local, Jun 2
All ages. The Local Flea Market in Beijing will be held on June 2 with more than 30 quality vendors selling Chinese products, organic food, special family drinks, and imported English-language books in celebration of Children’s Day. There will also have a paper folding workshop for kids from WWF (World Wildlife Fund), using creative ideas to build the animal world. The workshop will support an organization which is saving wild animals in Africa. In addition, your children can volunteer to help the WWF get the word out about protecting the environment. Representatives of the WWF will be on site and will have activities and gifts for the little ones who volunteer. Free to attend. 11am-6pm. The Local. For more information, visit this page. (158 1071 3743, mr_j.c.zhang@hotmail.com)
Slow Boat Family Day: Kid’s Theater, Jun 2
Slow Boat’s Family Day returns on Jun with a theme of “Kid’s Theater” to support Dew Drops Little Flower. There will be hand puppet crafts, a play stage, costumes and props, and storytelling for the little ones. Parents can enjoy any brunch item plus tea, coffee, or a beer for RMB 150 (one parent) or RMB 200 (two parents). Bring any number of children for free! The ticket includes brunch and a drink, your child’s brunch, access to the craft table and materials. In addition to donating a portion of ticket sales to Dew Drops Little Flower, Slow Boat also encourages their guests to bring items for donation to Dew Drops. There will be a donation box on site where you may leave the items. Noon-3pm. To register, scan the QR code or visit this page.
BICO Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf / Carnival of the Animals, Jun 2 and 3
All ages. This year’s family concert of the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra (BICO) features Prokofiev’s enchanting musical tale, Peter and the Wolf. The performance is suitable for children of all ages, and it continues BICO’s longstanding tradition of presenting entertaining and educational family concerts for everyone. RMB 150 (adults), RMB 80 (kids). Book tickets here (for Jun 2, Jun 3). Beijing International Chamber Orchestra. Canadian International School of Beijing, No. 38 Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang. (www.bico-china.com, maria.nauen@mail.ru)
Hot Fairs and Markets in June
Riviera Chic Bazaar, May 30-31
All ages. Riviera Chic combines top small thriving independent designers who focus on authenticity, specialization, and quality ideal for the discerning shopper. From on-trend fashion, a cool unique teacher’s gift or a treat to take home for a loved one! They are also supporting Love & Hope Charity. See the list of vendors here. Free to attend. 10am-4pm. Beijing Riviera Clubhouse.
BSB Shunyi Summer Fayre, Jun 3
All ages. Come along for some summer fun at The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Summer Fayre, one of the biggest events each year at BSB. Families can enjoy lunch, snack and drinks from many food vendors, fun with games, water park, bouncy castles and enjoy visiting a variety of stalls indoors and outdoors. The Grand Charity Raffle will have many prizes to be won too. This fair is open to the whole Beijing community. Noon-4pm. Visit this page for more info. (8047 3588, marketing@bsbshunyi.com)
British Chamber’s 2018 Summer Garden Party, Jun 7
All ages. Kick off summer with the 2018 British Chamber Summer Garden Party, a highlight of Beijing’s social calendar. This year’s party will celebrate a classic British summer sporting festival: Wimbledon. Join the British Chamber at the British Ambassador’s Residence, and enjoy an evening of delicious food from TRB Catering; free-flow British beer, Pimm’s, and gin and tonic; and live music. The Annual General Meeting of the British Chamber of Commerce in China will be held before the party and is exclusive to members only. RMB 300 (non-members), RMB 200 (members). Price includes all you can eat and drink. 4.30-8.30pm. British Ambassador’s Residence.
BCIS Rockfest & Beijing Runway 2018, Jun 8
All ages. Are you someone who knows how to rock out and get the crowds cheering? Or maybe you are a fashionista who wants to see their designs strutted down the catwalk? If so, join Beijing City International School’s (BCIS) Rockfest & Beijing Runway shows, popular events that will run from 5.30-8.30pm on June 8. Free to attend. BCIS. (8771 7171, emma.parker@bcis.cn)
YCIS Beijing’s ‘Re-Market,’ Jun 9
All ages. As part of Yew Chung International School of Beijing’s Zero Waste month, the school invites everyone to attend their recycle, reuse, and repair ‘Re-Market.’ There will be workshops, organic products on sale, a film screening and stalls for buying and exchanging books, clothes, toys, and furniture – all in promotion of waste reduction. Free to attend but registration is needed (visit this page to register). 1-5pm. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731, phoebe.yu@bj.ycef.com)
Fun for the Fam
Hand in Hand Music Festival, Jun 3
All ages. Make sure to check out the Hand in Hand International Children’s Music Festival, China’s first international music festival created for the whole family, which is about to happen on Sunday, June 3 in Beijing. The festival was founded by American journalist Rebecca Kanthor and her husband, Chinese musician and author Liu Jian. They are bringing together bands from all over the world to play a family-friendly mix of rock and pop music for an audience of kids, allowing all kids in China to experience the magic of live music and learn about different cultures. RMB 160-360 (book your tickets here) 10am-2pm. Beijing Exhibition Center (139 1613 7358; info@handinhandchina.com)
The Color Run 2018 Hero Tour, Jun 9
All ages. The Color Run, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality. Now the largest running series in the world, The Color Run has been experienced by over 6 million runners worldwide in more than 35 countries. This year’s Color Run features a Foam Zone full of colored bubbles and a great big paint-throwing party at the end. RMB 228 (classic kit), RMB 288 (superhero kit). 9am-4.30pm. Beijing Garden Expo Park. Visit our Events page for more info.
Bout à bout: French Family Theatre, Jun 9-24
Ages 3+. Bout à bout is a unique puppetry show connecting life, arts and imagination for children. It is inspired by artist Jean-Marie Hobet and a group of pre-school children and teachers. Bout à bout (“end to end”) is a story full of poetry and light, and it features ropes of various sizes, and music and sounds played by three invisible puppeteers, who give life to the ropes: fire lances, boa constrictors, means of transport or sumo preparing for battle, dog and cat, snake, octopus, and fish. RMB 245-780. Shows are from 10.30am, 3.30pm, 6.30pm, and 7.30pm. Tong Playroom. For more info, visit this page. (WeChat subscription account: tongtiyan)
Aidi School Summer Music Concert, Jun 12
All ages. Aidi School pays tribute to traditional culture with a concert on June 12. The Aidi School Summer Music Concert allows them to use music as a bridge for culture. The program covers Peking opera, local theatre and folk songs and dances, and will be staged at the Forbidden City Concert Hall. RMB 180-380. RSVP: Monica Zhao (185 1513 2431, zhaoyini@aidi.edu.cn)
Film and Stage Acting Workshops by Beijing Fringe Theatre, Jun 24-Jul 7
All ages. Beijing Fringe Theatre offers various acting classes and specialty acting workshops for stage and film, with a focus on monologues, audition, scene work, and accent dilution. The theatre produces live shows, which give actors opportunities to practice and hone the craft of acting. No experience is necessary, but a passion for the world of acting, and a desire to learn and succeed, is preferred. Contact 137 1791 3029 or info@beijingfringetheatre.org for more information about the time and fees.
Ballet for Fun, Fitness, and Fineness, until Jun 29
Ages 4-7. Prima Ballerina aims to bring passion, fun, and creativity to every class, nurturing each students’ love of the art form through their practice, dedication, and creativity. This form of ballet training breaks through classical teaching methods and builds children’s passion for dance through a variety of games, sounds, and musical styles. The classes take place every Friday and will be taught by Elyn Wang, an ex-soloist ballerina for the National Ballet of China, who has over five years experience teaching children at the National Ballet and at private ballet studios around Beijing. RMB 160-220 per class. 4.30-5.20pm. Prima Ballerina at Beijing Language and Cultural Center for Diplomatic Missions in Sanlitun. (WeChat ID: Elyn0318, 139 1158 8951)
Little Kickers Beijing Football Trial Class, until Jun 30
Kids 1.5+. These trial sessions take place every Saturday and are play-oriented for kids aged from 1.5 to 5. Everybody is welcome to experience a series of football games in a fun environment. Class times: 9.15-10am (ages 1.5-2.5), 10.15-11am (2.5-3.5), 11.15-noon (3.5-5). Ivy Nursery Sanlitun. (WeChat ID: LK-BJ-10001)
Exhibitions
BSB Secondary Soirée, Jun 6
All ages. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi invites everyone to an evening of creative arts, showcasing a delightful mix of art and music presented by their secondary students. Stunning pieces of artwork, including outstanding IGCSE and IB Art, will be displayed in the foyer. There will be a musical program that showcases the range of music talent of the student performers. Free to attend. 6-8.30pm. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3588, www.bsbshunyi.com)
”Hall of Fame” by Artist Jensen Moreno, until Jun 10
All ages. Filipino artist Jensen Moreno showcases her collection of portraits of people she has admired over the past few years. “Hall of Fame” marks her fifth solo painting exhibition. Experience Moreno’s unique artistic perspective and profound understanding of the celebrities and people who inspired her. Free to attend. 9am-5pm. A. C. Embassy Hotel. (Contact curator Daisy Zhao for more info at 183 1013 8251)
The Story of the Peterhof Palace Treasures, until Jun 10
All ages. The Story of the Peterhof Palace Treasures showcases 243 treasures that unveil the grandeur of the Romanov Dynasty in Russia. Originally shown at Peterhof State Museum Reserve, the treasures make their first appearance in China at the China Millennium Monument until June 10. RMB 50 (entrance ticket fee). 9am-5pm.
More Upcoming Events
Blogging in Beijing’s Quarterly Meet-up and Networking Series: “A Gold Mine of Stories,” May 31
Ages 18+. The Blogging in Beijing WeChat group invites everyone to their second quarterly meet-up and networking event on May 31 at XL Bar in Sanlitun. This FREE online-to-offline gathering will focus on the topic of “Beijing: A Gold Mine of Stories” (click here to register). Being a city full of history, Beijing gives everyone a feel of what life in a highly cultural but very contemporary setting is. But beyond the touristy sights and daily urban living lie a wealth of fascinating stories that can inspire budding writers and bloggers, as told by speakers Jeremiah Jenne of Beijing by Foot and Pauline van Hasselt of Beijing Mothers Guild. Free to attend (but registration is needed as there are only 30 seats). 7-9pm. XL Bar, Sanlitun. For more inquiries, contact Andy Penafuerte on WeChat (ID: anp3rd). Scan the QR code to register.
Handmade Natural Skincare Workshop, May 31
All ages. The workshop will be taught by a certified Organic Cosmetic Science formulator and will cover the basics of skin care formulation. Attendees will be introduced to natural raw ingredients and learn how to harness the power of plant botanicals for your skin type. Attendees will get the opportunity to make their own personalized skincare products that can be brought home. This class is suited for beginners and no prior experience is needed. RMB 290 per person. 10am-noon. The SLab. (Jen Pohland: 156 0120 1550)
3e Tea Talk: Let’s Talk About Art, Jun 1
Adults. Jill McKillips, a professor of Visual Art Education at Michigan State University, visits 3e International School to share new ideas and strategies on talking about art with children. This lecture will focus on concepts of Visual Thinking Strategies, art games that engage critical thinking, and how easily we can train to look, see and talk about art with a new perspective. By learning to look and see with a new perspective, we can better understand cultural aesthetics, zero in on the finer details found within the world around us and develop new and more descriptive art vocabularies. Free. 9-10.30am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, community@3einternationalschool.org)
Blossom Montessori Elementary School Open House, Jun 9
All ages. Blossom Montessori Elementary Program open doors to Beijing families and friends! Come along and check out their Montessori environment. Free and food will be served. Activities for kids start from 10.30am. (WeChat ID: Blossom_Montessori, 135 8188 7792, alessia@blossom-edu.com)
Summer Camps
For more upcoming summer camps, visit our April 2018 Summer Survival Guide issue or this page: Happy Campers: All the Fun at Your Door This Summer
South America Football Academy Summer Football Training, Jun 17-Jul 23
All ages. Do you have a budding young football player in your household? There’s no better way to motivate them and help them build skills than by enrolling your budding young football player at a world-class training clinic in Madrid, courtesy of Generation Adidas International, the South America Football Academy (SAFA), and the Real Madrid Foundation Training Program. There are two nine-day clinics coming up this summer, on Jun 17-25 and Jul 15-23, and both will offer the children a chance to train in Spain with experienced professional Real Madrid Foundation coaches. For prices and further details about enrolling, call 176 8572 2785 or email info@nanmei-fa.com.cn.
HoK First Education Travel Program – Discover Germany, Jun 24-Jul 4
All ages. Spend your summer holidays in Germany, exploring historic towns, German car technology and, of course, the best of German food. This travel program offers a fun-filled introduction to Germany and will be led by House of Knowledge teachers. The exclusive group of 10 families will go to some of the most iconic places in southern Germany. Participating families will prepare for the trip in two weekend workshops at House of Knowledge. For prices and a more detailed itinerary, contact Coco Du at 6431 3182, communicationsqf@hokschools.com.
Imagine Festival: The Outdoor Week, Jun 25-29
All ages. Over five days, kids will experience tons of Imagine’s most exciting activities in wonderful locations all around Beijing. For the first three days, they take kids on buses from Beijing out to nature, back in time for dinner at home each night. Then on Days 4 and 5, students camp overnight, returning on Friday afternoon. Camp activities include watersports and strategy games; bubble football; water fight; pirate treasure hunt; long-range archery; parkour; trampolining; obstacle courses; Survival Day; and Civilization Game. RMB 4,000. (5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)
The SLab’s [Movie Making] Summer Camp, Jun 18-Aug 10
All ages. Green T. House in Shunyi is hosting The SLab’s [Movie Making] summer camp programs this year. At the camp, students will work on the entire process of shooting a short film; experiment with script writing, filming, directing, acting, and editing; and explore their creativity through a variety of teamwork activities. Professional equipment is provided, but students should bring iPads or computers if possible. Open to students ages 8 and above. Camps run weekly from 11am-4pm. Limited to 10 students per class. (156 0120 1550, j.pohland@hotmail.com)
Sports Beijing Summer Camps, Jun-Aug
Kids 4-16. Sports Beijing summer camp is back, offering half day and full day activities for kids who want to engage with gymnastics, football, basketball or tennis. The camp is split up into weeks, with morning and afternoon activities (for full-day campers). For a complete list of schedules, activities, and prices, visit our Events page or www.sportsbj.org. (6430 1370, 6430 1176, info@sportsbj.com)
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Photos: Courtesy of Beijing City International School and featured event organizers